San Pedro : UNOCI takes part in laucnh of ADDR reinsertion project for 10,000 ex-combatants

The Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), has taken part in the launch of a reinsertion project for ex-combatants known as "Confirmed Craftsmen" organised by the Ivorian Authority for DDR (ADDR). The project concerns 10,065 ex-combatants from the Bas Sassandra region, and its objective is to help them reintegrate into their respective communities with the hope that this will in turn help the consolidation of peace process.

The chief of UNOCI's DDR division, Germain Niyoyankana, highlighted the United Nations support to ADDR. "{The United Nations will spare no effort in helping Côte d'Ivoire regain peace. We are entirely at your disposition to ensure that the goals set by the ADDR are met}," he said.

"{The Director of ADDR, Fidèle Sarassoro, for his part, said: "By disarming and demobilising ex-combatants, we are improving the security situation and more important, by offering them socio-economic reintegration opportunities, we are contributing to the development of our country}". The Secretary-General of San Pedro prefecture, Yokozo Zozoro Firmin, urged the ex-combatants to take charge of the project in order to free themselves because, he added "{work frees you}".

After the speeches, the delegation held discussions with various groups such as traditional and religious leaders, women and youths.
The event ended with the inauguration of the newly-opened ADDR office in San Pedro by its director accompanied by the organisation's partners, UNOCI, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the National Commission for the Fight Against the Proliferation and Circulation of Illicit Light and Small Calibre Weapons. The office will be managed by its new chief, Zouamana Koulibali. According to the ADDR, the office will be serve as a focal point for ex-combatants in the region.